NAMO
BHARAT - GOVERNMENT SCHEME
News:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first regional rapid train,
between Delhi and Meerut, named “Namo
Bharat”
What's
in the news?
●
The Namo Bharat train is India’s first
Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS).
●
It was earlier named RapidX by the
National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is implementing
the project.
●
It has been indigenously manufactured at a
cost of more than ₹30,000 crores as a new rail-based, semi-high-speed,
high-frequency commuter transit system.
●
Aim:
It is a regional development initiative that aims to provide intercity train
commuting at a fifteen-minute frequency, rising to five minutes.
Key
features:
- Capacity:
The train is capable of holding 1700 passengers, including both sitting
and standing.
- The
train consists of six coaches with 72 seats in the normal coach and 62
seats in the premium coach.
- Facilities:
Coaches in Namo Bharat are equipped with facilities such as Wi-Fi, CCTV
cameras, emergency talkback buttons, information screens, charging ports,
and storage areas.
- Disabled friendly:
Wheelchairs and stretchers will be provided in the last car of the trains.
- Speed:
The train has a design speed potential of 180 kmph and an operational
speed potential of 160 kmph.
Significance:
- Enhanced public
transport:
- Reduction
of traffic congestion - ease of living
- Reduction
of pollution - eco-friendly and low carbon footprint
- Connectivity:
balanced regional growth
- Increased
economic productivity
- Boost to the
economy: The project will open new commercial
hubs along the NCR allowing those in the suburban regions to participate
in economic activity in the capital without having to relocate.
- Increased
safety and security of passengers - safe for women labourers who tend to
move far away from home for work.